At Magical Bridge Trust we had one goal, to bring magic to everyone in Hamilton and our wider community. We've done that, what's next?
All abilities, all ages, all welcome.
We understand how important play is for young and old, having seen the impact it can have on both physical and mental well-being. For most families, finding an amazing playground in Hamilton is easy but there is a significant group of people who needed something more, something magical.
That’s why at Magical Bridge Trust, we bought a fully inclusive playground to Hamilton which removes barriers for all individuals and families with physical and neurological disabilities. We have created an accessible play space for the whole community - one that children and adults of all ages, abilities, and sizes can enjoy. Phase 2 with some magical additional equipment is now the focus for 2024, and we think other communities around New Zealand should have one to.
Why a magical bridge playground
This is New Zealand's first Magical Bridge Playground, positioning Hamilton as forward-thinking leaders in this space.
A Magical Bridge Playground is an international concept owned by the Magical Bridge Foundation – it has been designed through research and is proven internationally to be successful and innovative.
1.1 million of us, or nearly one in every four New Zealanders, have a disability. Closer to home in the Waikato, more than 120,000 people live with some type of disability. And, within a 1.5 hour’s drive of Hamilton, another 600,000 individuals have some type of disability, whether visible or not. Although Hamilton has many wonderful playgrounds, only a very small percentage have some form of accessible or inclusive activities. Hamilton City Council took a bold new step in partnering with the Magical Bridge Trust to deliver Hamilton's first fully inclusive playground.
CORE DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Designing inclusivity
Human-centered design practices
Structured play zones
What is the goal
We need help from the community, key leaders, and corporate organisations to help us make the Magical Bridge Playground even more magical. This support can be provided by offering additional funding and helping us raise awareness about our mission.
Help us bring the magic to everyone in Hamilton and our wider community.
“Having this world-class playground near the centre of Hamilton Kirikiriroa will not only encourage play in those who feel they can’t use our traditional playgrounds, it revolutionises the bounds of play and how we could be more inclusive with our future designs." - Ex Hamilton City Council Community Committee Chair Councillor Mark Bunting
How you can help
At Magical Bridge Trust, we’re now on a mission to create an even more accessible, fully inclusive play space that the whole community can enjoy in Hamilton. $1.5 million is needed to make this a reality – help us add more equipment, a toilet block, and some magical art to the Magical Bridge Playground, and get our kindness program up and running for our community.
Donate today to show your support or contact us to discuss sponsorship and naming rights opportunities.
